India opener Shubman Gill has shared insights into his dynamic opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, which played a crucial role in India’s victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their three-match series at Pallekele.
On the evening of July 27, Gill and Jaiswal were exceptional, accumulating 74 runs during the powerplay. Both players showcased impressive form with aggressive play.
Shubman Gill scored 34 off just 16 balls, hitting 6 fours and 1 six, while Yashasvi Jaiswal made 40 off 21 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. Their explosive start set a solid foundation for the middle-order, enabling India to set a challenging target for the Sri Lankan team.
Shubman Gill opens up on his opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal
After the match, Gill was asked whether India panicked when Pathum Nissanka was going strong, Gill responded that India needed just one wicket to break into the game, and that proved to be right in the end.
“Not really (panicked). We spoke about having good communication and we knew we just needed one wicket (when SL were 140/1),” Gill replied.
When asked about batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, Gill revealed that their plans are always clear and simple to assess the pitch and play accordingly.
“It is great batting with him (Yashasvi Jaiswal) and we complement each other. Our style is different, our plan is simple – assess the conditions and then take on the bowlers. When you are opening the innings, see how the pitch is behaving and play accordingly,” Gill said after the match.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are seen as the replacements for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for India in the T20I format. Both are highly talented batters and have proved their class in their short international careers so far. Shubman Gill is India’s vice-captain for this tour as the selectors see him as a future captaincy option.
India defeat Sri Lanka by 43 runs; take 1-0 lead
In the match, India secured a decisive victory over Sri Lanka. At one stage, Sri Lanka appeared in control at 140-1 after 14 overs, needing 74 runs from 36 balls with two well-set batsmen at the crease.
However, the game shifted dramatically when Pathum Nissanka was dismissed on the first ball of the 15th over. Nissanka, who had played a brilliant innings of 79 off 48 balls with 7 fours and 4 sixes, was bowled by left-arm spinner Axar Patel.
Kusal Perera, who had also been performing well, fell to Axar Patel in the same over. The fall of these key wickets triggered a collapse as Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order failed to contribute significantly. Captain Charith Asalanka, making his captaincy debut, was dismissed for a duck on his second ball.
Sri Lanka lost their last 9 wickets for just 30 runs, allowing India to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The next T20I is scheduled to be played at the same venue on July 28 (Sunday).
